With global trade shifting and Canada seeking to diversify beyond traditional partners, there is one region still flying under the radar: Africa. That needs to change.
While others are already moving, Canada is lagging behind. The European Union more than doubled its imports from Africa between 2005 and 2025. China increased its imports fivefold over the same period. But Canada? We remain stuck, with Africa accounting for just 1 percent of our exports and under 2 percent of our imports.
This is not just a missed opportunity. It is billions left on the table. If we’re serious about prosperity, it is time to get serious about partnering with Africa!
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
According to our new data:
- Canada is missing out on $1.7 billion in potential exports to Africa each year
- We are leaving $2.3 billion in imports on the table annually
- Key export opportunities include peas, plastics and rubber, and rice
- Canada could import more coffee from Ethiopia, chocolate from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, and orange juice from Egypt
The potential is real and mutual.
Why Africa? Why Now?
Africa is home to the world’s youngest population and fastest-growing cities. Its manufacturing and service sectors are booming. Canada has the chance to help build fair, modern supply chains while accessing new markets and better products.
Take chocolate, for example. Canada could invest in domestic processing in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, two of the world’s top cocoa producers, while building a reliable, high-quality supply of chocolate products here at home.
We also have advantages others do not: shared languages, a strong African diaspora, and no colonial history on the continent. That gives us the potential for real credibility. Now we need to act on it. We need to work with Africa!
It’s Time for a New Trade Conversation
Africa is not a charity case. It is a trade partner, a growing market, and a region with ideas, innovation, and solutions. Canada should build strategic partnerships in sectors like agriculture, energy, and manufacturing—areas where both sides can win.
We have crunched the numbers. Now it is time to shift the narrative.
Africa is opportunity. And Canada needs Africa more than we thought!
Dive into the data and see what trade with Africa could mean for Canada: Explore our analysis